§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the contract for the supply of Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter rescue services at(a) Portland and (b) Lee on Solent will expire; whether the MCA intends to keep the arrangements as they are now; and when the MCA will sign a new contract. [51642]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe current contracts for the supply of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) civilian search and rescue helicopter services at Portland and Lee on Solent both expire on 13 May 2003.
The agency is considering future contracts and discussions about the detail are continuing.
Any new contracts should be signed by 12 May 2003 to ensure no break in the provision of the service.
§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has to upgrade facilities at(a) Lee on Solent and (b) Portland for the Maritime Rescue Helicopter Service. [51641]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Maritime and Coastguard Agency is currently in discussion with relevant organisations regarding improvements at Lee on Solent and Portland but no firm decisions have been made.
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§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which locations for helicopter rescue services the Maritime and Coastguard Agency funds; and if he will make a statement about the MCA's future plans for helicopter rescue services. [51640]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) funds contracted civilian search and rescue helicopter services at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Lee on Solent and Portland.
The MCA is currently engaged with the Ministry of Defence about the future provision of UK search and rescue helicopters with a view to harmonising the service in the future.